Christian Norgaard and Everton boss David Moyes
Christian Norgaard and David MoyesImago

Everton vs Chelsea stat attack: Christian Norgaard not ready, teammate a surprise creative menace

Dan Lewis

Assistant Editor AUTHORITY Senior editor and writer responsible for daily news flow, editorial standards, and active contribution across the site network. FOCUS Editorial oversight, newsroom workflow, verified reporting, and original content. THE BRIEF Former Sports Mole correspondent Daniel manages the network’s daily output, working between reporters and experts to ensure accuracy and speed. As a senior contributor, he also writes and publishes original content across the network.

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Everton were defeated 2-0 by Chelsea on Saturday as their unbeaten start to the campaign came to an end.

The Toffees were undone by a couple of goals from Pedro Neto early and late in the second half.

Everton had one or two chances but were ultimately second best as Hill Dickinson Stadium witnessed a defeat for the first time this campaign.

Too many Everton players had average games at best, while others just were not at it at all.

That includes debutant Christian Norgaard, who struggled after being introduced late on.

Goodison News dissects the stats behind the loss, with a surprise name stepping up for the Blues.

Christian Norgaard endures debut horror show

Norgaard arrived from Arsenal in the summer but has seen his debut delayed by injury.

David Moyes said in his pre-match press conference that the midfielder is not 100 per cent yet.

And so that told against Chelsea as he had just 13 touches in about 15 minutes on the field when including added time.

The Denmark international only attempted 10 passes yet registered a pass completion rate of only 80 per cent.

Norgaard also committed a foul that led to a booking and recorded one unsuccessful touch as Chelsea players acted as though he was not there.

As Sam Matterface asked on talkSPORT: "What on earth is he doing?"

Christian Norgaard and Everton boss David Moyes
Christian Norgaard contract examined as Everton debut update shared

Vitalii Mykolenko proves Everton's brightest spark

Vitalii Mykolenko was brought back into the side along with Merlin Rohl in two changes.

While the Ukraine international has his critics, he was superb offensively for Everton against Chelsea.

He registered two key passes - only Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall could match that - and also a joint-high two dribbles.

No player was fouled more (four times) that the left-back, meanwhile, and all this with the second-best passing accuracy (89.1 per cent).

Mykolenko was a surprise live wire, but unfortunately not enough of his teammates were on it in what was a disappointing defeat to Xabi Alonso's men.

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